THIS month saw a delegation from the German town of Neukirchen-Vluyn visit Buckingham, to sign a friendship treaty between the two towns.

The group consisted of mayor Harald Lenssen, accompanied by Franjo Terhart, Gunter Fischer and Christian Berges, who are all members of their twinning committee.

On Saturday morning following a guided tour of Stowe Landscape Gardens led by Valerie Shaw, the party lunched at Boycott Farm.

The group were taken on a tour of Buckingham by Lillian McDonald before the formal business of signing the Friendship Treaty in the council chambers, where the guests were joined by mayor Ruth Newell, several councillors and other members of the twinning committee. The formalities were rounded off with an exchange of gifts and a toast of English sparkling wine.

In the evening, a barbecue was held at Sue and Steve Watkins’ house for guests and their hosts, plus other interested parties including some members of the U3A German group.